Oct 25, 2012 min
The Northampton Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
Oct 25 2012
City of Northampton Council Chambers, 212 Main St., Northampton, MA
Members Present: Time
Chair, Mark Sullivan
Vice Chair, Jennifer Dieringer
Francis “Frandy” Johnson
Stephen Gilson
Debin Bruce
John Lutz
Karla Youngblood, Associate Member
Ann DeWitt Brooks Associate Member
Staff:
Planning Director, Wayne Feiden 7:30
Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch
7:00 P.M
Mark Sullivan opened the joint public hearings with Council ordinance
committee: Jesse Adams, David Murphy, Maureen Carney.
Ordinance: Amend §350-11.6 Zoning – Approval Criteria on procedures for
dispensing traffic mitigation funds (Referred by City Council August 16, 2012;
TPC August 21, 2012, Planning Board)
Ordinance: Amend §22-119 Northampton Transportation and Parking
Commission: Powers and Duties (Referred by City Council August 16, 2012, TPC
August 21, 2012, City Council of September 20, 2012 Referred to Planning
Board)
Ordinance: Amend §350-3.4 based on a request by Lathrop Communities to
make a zoning map change at 716 Bridge Road Map 18C-3 from Rural
Residential to Urban Residential B.
Staff read proposed changes including staff recommendation for minor
modification/clarification on traffic mitigation relative to Planning Board permits.
Stephen Gilson asked for clarification.
Mark Sullivan asked about impetus for changes.
1
Councilor Freeman Daniels explained his interest in sponsoring the changes. He noted that
state law requires gifts be approved by council and the language is consistent with the law.
Wayne Feiden noted that this codifies what the current practice is.
Debin Bruce noted that there is no problem now that this is trying to fix.
Stephen Gilson emphasized that traffic mitigation is not a gift.
Wayne Feiden noted that current city solicitor feels that these mitigation funds should follow
same rules.
The Board discussed how to ensure that permit conditions are met.
Wayne Feiden noted that it is like a duplicate check system.
There was no public comment.
th
Councilor Murphy noted that they would close the hearing and make a decision on the 19 of
November.
Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Jennifer Dieringer, the board voted
unanimously to close the hearing.
Upon motion by Maureen Carney and second by Jesse Adams, the Council Ordinance
Committee voted unanimously to close their hearing.
Upon motion by Stephen Gilson and second by Francis Johnson the board voted
unanimously to recommend the ordinances with changes to both as discussed.
Staff introduced Bridge Road rezoning request by the Lathrop Communities.
Kim Quinlan , abutter, echoed concern about another traffic access and noted a concern
about the number of units they might have planned.
Marilyn Richards, Bridge Road and Lathrop Board member, clarified that there are no
current plans for expansion.
Steve Susco, 754 Bridge Road, spoke on behalf of 775 Bridge Road, Richard Jaske. He
asked for a continuation for more detailed statements he could prepare. He proceeded with
remarks on how the he thought rezoning would exacerbate drainage problems downstream.
Dave Cotton, Bridge Road, voiced concerned about notice of the hearing.
Councilor David Murphy suggested that Ordinance Committee would continue its hearing on
th
this to the 19.
2
Upon motion by Jesse Adams and second by Maureen Carney, Council Ordinance
Committee voted unanimously to continue this hearing to 5 PM in council chambers on the
th
19.
The Board discussed options for recommendations and discussed issues raised by Susco
noting that they are development review related issues that don’t get addressed at zoning
level but at permitting level.
Andy Church, resident, asked whether the current Lathrop parcel was rezoned prior to
development plans being reviewed for building.
Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Stephen Gilson, the board voted
unanimously to close the hearing.
Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Stephen Gilson the Board voted 6-1
(Jennifer Dieringer) to recommend the map amendment only if a development agreement is
executed prior to council vote that states that no new curb cuts will be created on Bridge
Road and that access to the site be through the existing Lathrop project.
Louis Hasbrouck, Building Commissioner and Chris Mason, Energy Officer presented
concerns over the Photovoltaic regulations in the residential districts.
They argued for easing regulations for ground mounted pv structures. Reduce setbacks
The Board agreed to sponsor zoning changes that would address the shortcomings of the
existing ordinance.
The Board nominated John Lutz to the tree committee and suggested that Ann be asked to sit
on EDHLU once she returns.
Debin Bruce suggested she would continue on Parking and transportation until a new
Planning Board member comes on board.
Upon motion by Francis Johnson and second by Debin Bruce the board The board approved
minutes with changes for Aug 9, Sept 13 Sept 27.
9:30 adjourn
3